Blouses have come out of the shadows to become not just an essential item, but a veritable fashion phenomenon. They’ve ditched their dusty image and now we couldn’t do without them. From an elegant chiffon blouse to wear with sharp trousers for work, to a sporty blouse to wear at the gym, blouses have every style and situation covered.

Flowery, ruffled, transparent, sleeveless, floaty, athletic - there’s an incredible array of designs to choose from, just waiting to be styled up with your favourite skirt or pair of jeans. Sensual silk blouses are the ultimate expression of pure femininity, while special status is reserved for the classic white blouse, so beloved of the fashion elite that it’s become a truth universally acknowledged that every woman should own one.

The versatility of blouses is what makes them so popular. Wear them the way you want to and don’t be afraid to break the fashion rules. Go collarless for an androgynous style that’s perfect for the professional look, or stick with tradition with a classic shape to match casual jeans. Even better, have one of each and your wardrobe will want for nothing.

But what does ‘blouse’ mean and how is a blouse different to a shirt? There’s a bit of overlap, but blouses typically have a looser, less tailored fit than a shirt, though some styles are elegantly pulled in at the waist so that they effortlessly flatter your figure. Unlike shirts, blouses don’t usually have buttons or poppers down the front, but some do.

Are blouses formal? There are so many styles that it all depends on the blouse! When you’re deciding what plus size blouse to wear with suits for your work wear, you may want to choose a more formal blouse style, such as a white silk blouse with a bow. Cotton and chiffon are also a great choice of material for work blouses, and they look just as great with a stylish trouser suit as they do with a figure-hugging pencil skirt and heels.

Floaty chiffon blouses are the perfect choice if you’re looking for office wear that can transition into evening wear. Features like ruffles and bows strike the right balance between formality and playfulness, so you can express your personality and creativity while still dressing professionally for the office environment.

If you’re wondering what blouse to pair with skirts when you’re out of the office, it depends on the occasion. Our plus size silk blouses make a seductive choice for a romantic date night in a classy restaurant, while a simple cotton blouse is a stylish yet comfortable choice for everyday wear. A short sleeved blouse with a pretty floral print is the perfect match for a summer skirt when you’re on holiday or enjoying a relaxed day out.

In the winter, long sleeved blouses add an extra layer of warmth without compromising on style, and you can easily wear them under warm winter knitwear or elegant coats. Longer tunic-style blouses look fabulous worn with jeans or trousers, and choosing a bright, bold colour will liven up your outfit at any time of year. Of course, you might also want to think about what shirts are in fashion when you’re deciding what blouse styles to choose for this season’s wardrobe.